November is a time of beautiful autumn days and the steady hum of teaching and learning within our schools.
This year, November in Capistrano Unified School District seems more like springtime as we are in the process of giving birth to what is called a Strategic Plan and bringing renewed vision to our district.
The last time CUSD developed a Strategic Plan was in 2000. Since then, much has changed as we have experienced rapid growth, changes in State and Federal legislation, and experienced unprecedented cuts in school funding. The purpose of the Strategic Plan will be to work with our stakeholders to develop a renewed mission and vision focusing on educating our students and dedicating ourselves to continuous improvement in all aspects of our organization.
We have already begun work on the plan, meeting with our “Vision Team” comprised of representative members of our stakeholder groups (please see specific names on p. 2). We also look forward to gathering additional input on the development of the plan through surveys, focus groups, and community conversations which will begin to take place in January.
Information regarding our Strategic Planning process can be found on our website at www.capousd.org.
Another new project with district-wide implications is the revision of Capistrano’s Organizational Chart. The “Org Chart/Plan” is significant because it revises the reporting and responsibility structure of the entire district. It also defines positions by appropriate funding sources, and provides a visual map for all interested parties in locating information sources.
Aside from the Superintendent’s Office there are four major service divisions that support the work of our schools. They are Business and Operations, Human Resources/Personnel, Education Services, and Special Education.
Business and Operations includes budget and accounting, payroll, management information systems, transportation, food services,
grounds, maintenance, contracts, facilities, and facilities use.
The Human Resources/Personnel Division is responsible for all aspects of employee hiring and placement, ensuring the health and legal qualifications of positions, disciplinary action, compensation, negotiations, contract adherence, risk management, insurance benefits and induction training programs.
The Education Services Division leads and coordinates all aspects of general education programs. Instructional support is provided via professional development, research regarding best practices, student and program assessment, categorical programs, curriculum and assessment development, textbooks, libraries and media, instructional technology, intervention programs, accelerated programs, and co-curricular programs.
Documents including report cards and other student records are also developed by “Ed. Services” personnel. A very important part of the Education Services Division is that of Pupil Personnel. Pupil Personnel provide all safety and health services, including nurses and counselors. Emergency services and natural disaster services are also provided by Pupil Personnel, as well as coordination of law enforcement and security presence. Expulsions and suspensions are conducted by Pupil Personnel as well. Education Services administrators also determine the placement of students requiring alternative settings to learn, as well as provide assistance for and oversight of Adult and Community programs.
The Special Education Division works closely with Education Services to ensure that appropriate interventions are available to both general education and special education students. There are many federal and state mandates that division personnel attend to in order to ensure proper placement and programs for our special education students.
All services provided for general education students are provided to our special education students, and numerous special education methodologies have benefitted students in our general education classrooms. Both general education staff and special education staff address parent concerns.
What is important is that all division and administrative services create a support team for the work that is done at our various schools and classrooms. We subscribe to the notion that every employee makes a valuable contribution to the outstanding work of our students and site personnel, and to school site success.
Thus, at this time of the year, as the autumn sun shines, and the winds blow, we are reminded to give thanks for one another, our total team of employees, and our students, parents, and greater community….all of whom are responsible for the progress, health, and safety of our students. Happy Thanksgiving.
May you enjoy the gift of time with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Bobbi Mahler, Ed. D.
Interim Superintendent
